Menu

cold brew

Rona Review: Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Dark Caramel

, , , , , , ,

sbux-nitro-cold-brew-canJust to take a step away from telework, here’s a short and fast ‘Rona Review of the new Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Dark Caramel that comes in a can.

Looking like a typical 12 fl oz can, the contents is only 9.6 fl oz so the can is light and you can tell there’s space inside.

Not very sweet, minimal nitro bubble feel to the drink.

Am I supposed to shake this? The directions on the back say to “Gently tilt can once…”

Nitrogen is on the ingredients list, albeit last.

Consistency is thin and definitely not creamy like an Ito-en canned drink. The entire can is only 45 Calories though.

Cost is high, around $4 per can?? Or was it 2 for $4? I would only get again if it were on sale.

Here’s a quick video of what it sounds like when the can is opened.

Loving the Starbucks Nitro Freddo

, , , ,

Nitro Cold Brew on tap

My latest Starbucks obsession is the Nitro Freddo. This drink starts with nitro cold brew on tap. Then it’s topped off with a dark caramel foam and a sprinkle of what looks like Starbucks instant VIA coffee.

Alone, the Nitro Cold Brew is a potent drink – highly caffeinated and all coffee flavor. The Freddo balances the cold brew with that wonderful foam. If possible, don’t savor the drink and let it sit. Drink the layers as is before everything dissolves together and enjoy the waves of flavor.

Unfortunately, this drink is only available at two locations on Oahu – Waikiki and Nuuanu. Yup, the Nitro Cold Brew is only on tap at these two stores. And this drink is expensive with a grande coming in around $5.70. But since the drink has no ice, it’s all Nitro Cold Brew, but it does get lukewarm quickly. Also, this drink has its own special lid made for sipping, not for straws.

Check out the special sipping lid

Buzzed by a Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew

, , , ,

The new Starbucks location in Nuuanu (in the former Hungry Lion spot) is open for business and is the second third store on Oahu to serve Starbucks’ Nitro Cold Brew. Cold brewed for hours, infused with nitrogen, and served from a tap, this is an interesting drink. Because there’s no ice, the drink isn’t super cold, but it feels like you get more drink for your dollar.

It’s foamy on top, and it doesn’t come sweetened or with any kind of milk or cream. According to the barista, it’s the most caffeinated drink on their menu, and I believe it. After a few sips, I started getting a headache that I tend to encounter after too much caffeine throughout the day. But did I feel more awake and alert.

The Nuuanu Shopping Plaza has gotten a resurgence with the arrival of Starbucks. Before whenever I would drive by, the parking lot had some cars, but the smallish lot is now packed with Starbucks patrons I’m guessing. The lot was completely full yesterday afternoon with several cars jockeying for an open stall. But as one of the few Starbucks serving Nitro Cold Brew, you gotta go and make a visit.

Starbucks New Cold Brews

, ,

No, I haven’t tried them yet and didn’t see any promotional materials this morning when I got my fallback Caramel Macchiato. But the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew sounds overall awesome and the Nitro Cold Brew sounds intriguing. I think I’d try the Nitro first only because of its uniqueness, but it’s also not available everywhere, starting its rollout at  Seattle, Portland, New York, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Nitro_Cold_Brew_(1)-2

So next time I’m visiting the coffee siren, I’ll order up a Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew and give a quick review. I wonder which Hawaii location (if any) would get the Nitro?